'Smyrna's Got Voice' finale next weekend

After auditioning more than 20 kids, the three-part contest, "Smyrna's Got Voice-Kids Rock!" will hold its finale next weekend.

Christine Miller, Arts & Entertainment

On Saturday, April 27, the Smyrna Opera House will host the finale of its vocal talent competition, "Smyrna's Got Voice-Kids Rock!" The local competition has featured more than a dozen regional singers between the ages of 10 and 17 years old.

The kids were divided into two age groups with close to 30 youthful hopefuls auditioning. The first round of competition took place on Saturday, Feb. 23, with six kids from each group advancing to round two.

The second round, which took place in March, whittled the twelve down to seven. Four pre-teens will compete from the first group: 12-year-old Katie Loftus of Townsend, 10-year-old Alexandra Cseke of Dover and Jaden McGeoch and Sydney Wilson, both 12 years old and from Middletown.

The older teen group features three adolescents: 14-year-old Lauren Barry of Townsend, 16-year-old Gracie Buskirk of Camden-Wyoming and 16-year-old Smyrna resident Chrystina Haldeman.

Haldeman started the competition by tackling English sensation Ed Sheeran's sorrowful tune, "A Team." For round two, she aimed for the sky with the work of another popular Brit, Adele.

"My mom actually attracted me to this one," said Haldeman before round two. "I was having a hard time picking a song and my mom and dad had gotten the movie 'Sky Fall' and my mom was like, 'I think you'd do a really good job on this song' so I decided to give it a try."

Taking a cue from its inspiration, "American Idol," Smyrna's Got Voice audience members will vote for the winner but not before a panel of judges weighs in with constructive criticism and suggestions. The panel includes three local arts enthusiasts: Barbara Begelow, Scot McClymont and David Thomas. All three have previous experience in music and stage presence.

Tickets are still available for next weekend's finale and start at $13 per person. Family four-packs are also available for $30. The family packs include two adult tickets and two child tickets. All seats are general admission.

Discounts are available for children 12-years-old and younger and for students with identification. However, all discounts must be confirmed by calling the box office at (302) 653-4236. Discounts are not available for tickets purchased through the Smyrna Opera House website.

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